Newer and Revised DSM-V Criteria w/ Severity Labels

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A: 1, 2, 3,
B: 1, 2, 3, 4
C: Yes
D: Yes

Severity: Meh. As usual, I can't even place myself on that crap because it makes no sense.

Ok, so I'm seeing two different charts with variations of the same information. But since the most recent one is dated 2011 and the earlier one is from 2009, I will address the most recent work.

It looks like an attempt to add some shades of gray, perhaps. But it still forces people into narrow categories based on what may be arbitrary criteria. For instance, what if a person fits Level 1 Social/Communication criteria, but meets the Level 3 criteria for Restricted Interests/Repetitive Behaviors (RIRB)?

If I had to guess where I would fall, it would be Level 2 Social/Communication and Level 1 RIRB.

After continuing to look at the chart, a question occured to me to ask others: Does the latest chart appear to be a gross oversimplification of the Spectrum? I mean, especially when you consider Heller's Syndrome (Childhood Disintigrative Disorder) as part of the Spectrum. Moreover, when I look at the Severity Scale, I do not see enough differentiation between Level 1 and Level 2.

For instance, what is the difference between "noticeable impairments" and "Marked Deficits" for the Social/Communication domain?

And under RIRBs, isn't resistance borne out of distress or frustration?

I dunno, maybe it's just me Maybe I'm getting the wrong meaning or I'm misunderstanding the definitions of those terms Maybe I'm just a DOOFUS

First of all, change causes me anxiety. And I have felt uneasy about the new DSM-V. Upon looking at this new revision, it makes sense to me. I don't know if it is any better than the DSM-IV, but who am I to say which is better or more accurate? Upon looking at the criteria, I have no problem meeting the criteria---the same as I did with the DSM-IV and the Gillberg. Then I looked at the severity levels. They all state we need support. What is support? Many of us live independently. I have never lived by myself because I lived at home until I got married. I rely a lot on my wife in social situations which I dislike. I feel lost in an endless canyon of confusion. I have no friends in the true sense.

Anyway...from my best interpretation of the severity levels this is how I think I turn out. For social, I see myself as a 1. For interests, I am at least a 2.